bjg411

Does anybody know how many heavy-rescue companies there are in Westchester County?

I would imagine that they identify the driver as being a volunteer because the consequences for a professional firefighter would be far more serious.

There is no doubt that given the numbers of those in the fire service that there will be a few bad eggs. Nevertheless, my point is that the media should make a distinction as to wether or not the individual is a volunteer or career firefighter. The consequences for such behavior vary greatly, loss of a volunteer position versus the loss of a job along with its pension is a big difference. In terms of bars in firehouses, I never knew there was such a thing. I guess this is one more reason that the media needs to be more accurate in its reporting. As far as professional versus career - I guess that it is really just a matter of semantics. Though it should be taken into consideration that most career firefighters in this area are members of the New York State Professional Fire Fighters Association. So if they want to refer to themselves or others as professional fire fighters, then I really don't see what the big deal is. Why can't they determine for themselves how they should be referred to?

Obviously no one is pleased when it is reported in the news that a firefighter is in trouble with the law, but it is especially distressing when a distinction is not made as to whether or not the individual is a volunteer or professional firefighter. Given that professional firefighters go through far more rigorous background investigations and training, and risk the loss of their job when they become jammed up with the law, it is only fair that the media make a distinction as to whether or not the individual is a volunteer or professional.